“Because you had too much to drink on an empty stomach.”
“I said that out loud?”
“Yes.” She shakes her head. “Remind me not to take you drinking again when you’re sad.”
“Good idea.’ I glance over at Jake who’s talking with Sean, one of the owner’s sons, and Xavier. At least, I think there’s three people standing over there. I narrow my eyes. Or four. They seem to be moving. Except they’re staying in place.
I swallow hard. Jake. Why’s is he here? And where’s Amanda?
My teeth grind together. I don’t want to see her.
I open my purse and dig through the contents looking for a pain reliever. The movements cause pain to shoot up my arm to my elbow. Why did I complain when it felt numb? That was almost as stupid as agreeing to dance with the loser.
“I’m so sorry.” Ruby wraps her arms around me and squeezes until I squirm against her. “I should’ve never talked to that guy, but I had no idea he was an asshole rapist.”
“Well, I’d hope not.” I wiggle out of her grasp, retrieve the bottle from my purse, open the lid, and pop one into my mouth. Two. I need two. I swallow another one.
I toss the bottle inside and sigh. I can’t wait to go home and go to bed.
“Luckily, Jake got to you in time.” Ruby shudders as if she’s as freaked out as I am over the entire incident.
“Where’s Amanda?” I’m afraid to look around to find her smirking at me for being so pathetic that I’m hung up over Jake and can only get losers to want me.
“Xavier said Jake….” She glances over her shoulder at the guys across the room. They’re deep in a conversation where Jake is pointing toward the bar. “Wasn’t on a date with Amanda. That she’d asked him to talk to her about what criminal justice classes he recommended because her brother wants to be a police officer.”
“What?” My heart stops in my chest. That can’t be it. Can it?
Ruby shrugs her shoulder. “That’s what he said. Could you have read the text wrong? Maybe he isn’t seeing Amanda. Or anyone else.” She looks at me. “Maybe he only wants you. You saw how he snapped and came over to rescue you. He looked like a man who was ready to burn the world down for you. A guy who doesn’t care, doesn’t act like that.”
“He–”
“Don’t say he’s your brother’s best friend. Xavier and your brother have been friends just as long and he wasn’t knocking into guys two times his weight on his way to get to you.”
I gnaw on my bottom lip. “Maybe. I don’t know.”
She grabs my upper arm. “Let’s find out.”
Moments later, she has her phone in her hand and eyes wide in shock. “Oh my, something’s come up.” She twists her head toward the guys. “Jake, can you take Emily home? I’ve got to go.”
“Of course. Go ahead. I’ve got her.”
I’ve got her. Warmth floods through me at the same time a wave of irritation slams into me. I’ve got her. What am I, a two-year-old that needs babysitting?
“Bye, love.” She kisses my cheek and strides out the door with Xavier following behind her.
As Jake marches toward me, I cross my arms over my chest. “I don’t need….” I sway sideways as Jake catches me.
“Are you okay?” His gaze sweeps over me from head to toe as I fall against his broad chest.
God, he’s warm, solid, and smells like heaven.
Shit. My head spins again. “I think I took two muscle re….” The word catches on my tongue, and I try to lick my lips. I’m so tired. I close my eyes and inhale his cologne.
“Yum, you smell good.” Good comes out as g-o-o-o-od. And then everything fades to black.
Chapter Forty-Five
Jake
